Syringe with integral safety system

Abstract

An injection device for delivery of a therapeutic agent is provided that includes a glass syringe with an integrally molded lug extending radially from the syringe and a guard slidably attached to the syringe. One set of detents on the guard and the lug of the syringe retain the guard in the retracted position. Another set of detents on the guard and the lug of the syringe retain the guard in the extended position. Another injection device for delivery of a therapeutic agent is provided that includes a glass syringe with an integrally molded disk that extends radially from the syringe and a guard slidably coupled to the syringe. One set of detents on the guard and the integrally molded disk of the syringe retain the guard in a retracted position. Another set of detents on the guard and the integrally molded disk retain the guard in an extended position.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 113,464 entitled Prefilled Glass Syringe With Integral Safety System, filed Mar. 27, 2002, which is fully incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to injection devices for administering medical products to patients, particularly to safety devices for syringes, and more particularly to syringe devices that include a needle guard slidably coupled to a syringe for covering a needle of the syringe after use. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0003] Medication is often dispensed using a medicine cartridge, such as a syringe, having a barrel with a needle extending from one end and a plunger slidably inserted into the other end. Such cartridges are often referred to as “pre-filled syringes” because they may contain a specific dosage or volume of medication when they are initially provided. By comparison, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] It is also desirable to have a syringe or cartridge wherein only a glass surface contacts the therapeutic agent. A glass surface is typically less likely to react with a therapeutic agent stored within the syringe. Glass is also generally easier to sterilize, such as, e.g., in an autoclave, than other materials such as plastics.

[0007] Alternatively, syringe holders have been suggested that include a body within which a conventional syringe or cartridge may be received, and a shield that is manually slidable with respect to the body to cover the needle. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,030,366, issued to Mitchell, which is assigned to the assignee of the present application, discloses a self-shielding guard that includes a body having an open proximal end for inserting a syringe into a cavity within the body, and a distal end with an opening through which a needle on the syringe may extend once received in the body. A shield is slidable over the body between retracted and extended positions to expose and cover the needle, respectively. With the shield in the retracted position and the needle exposed, an injection may be made, and then the shield may be manually advanced to the extended position. In the extended position, cooperating detents and detent pockets on the body and shield substantially permanently lock together, thereby preventing reuse of the needle, reducing the risk of accidental needle sticks, and / or facilitating disposal of the syringe.

Problems solved by technology

The activation of the spring may, however, cause a sudden movement of the assembly that may surprise or result in discomfort to the patient.

The sudden movement of the assembly may also surprise a user who is unprepared for the quick movement of the assembly.

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